Customer Reviews

Heave Yer Skeleton

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Combining the alternative seductiveness of Portishead with the riff heavy progressive rock of Mr. Bungle, Mr. Gnome's "Heave Yer Skeleton" is not only a fantastic collection of songs, but it also qualifies as one of those rare musical accomplishments that artists seldom attempt anymore: it is a great album, a sum greater than its parts, a single listening experience that deserves to be heard in its entirety, from start to finish.

A husband/wife team- he on drums, she on guitar and vocals- this duo creates a wall of sound that rocks as hard, if not harder, than those other two guitar/drums duos from the Midwest. He is a beast on drums, laying down a poly-rhythmic layer of percussion reminiscent of Bill Bruford's masterful work with King Crimson. She has a voice that can do pretty much anything- howl like a metal queen, go quirky and playful with a hint of naughty, or even lay down a bluesy vibe.

Almost every song includes a hummable melody and two or three riffs that will stick in your head for days. While each song stands well on its own, the album is hard to listen to out of sequence mainly because it is put together so well. The slow build of "Spain" leads nicely into the prog-rocker "Slow Side" which deftly jumps into the cheerleader metal of "Plastic Shadow". The juxtaposition of slow/fast, heavy/light, drums/guitar is brilliant and every song seems to make perfect sense where it is placed.

I have recommended this album to every one I know who "knows" music. My wife loves it also but wishes I would play something else every so often. I try to, but it is hard when "Heave Yer Skeleton" is this good.

A must own!

Don't let those fools out there convince you it (or the singer) sounds like the Yeah Yeah Yeah's. I bought Fever to tell just because I liked this CD so much, and it's OK, but sounds like most Pop Alt Rock out there- has its moments, but not enough creativity. Mr. Gnome, however, is perfect. The singer is one of the most interesting female vocalists I've heard, and the composition of the songs is compelling and varied. I haven't been as excited about a fresh sound in a long time.

The record was not packaged carefully enough and was slightly bent upon arrival. Other than that, the album is a must have!